The Cornflower Witch Chapter 229

Dark Mist Mountains, Ironwall Cliff

After receiving the revealing powder capable of detecting hidden ‘gray mud’, the outpost began to operate in a tense yet orderly manner.

First, under the commander’s arrangement, sick and unwell personnel were separated into 20 different areas, no longer intermingling.

Daily meals and food would be delivered to each area via hanging baskets. The individuals preparing the food were uninfected members, and both the kitchen and central medical room diligently spread the ‘revealing powder’ to find and clear ‘gray mud’, preventing further spread of infection.

After stabilizing the situation and preventing repeated infections, the ‘Blazing Sun’-affinity extraordinaries within the outpost began to disinfect and clean various areas and spaces of Ironwall Cliff.

After each room or corridor was cleaned, they would temporarily seal off the area. Three days later, if spreading the ‘revealing powder’ still showed no traces of ‘gray mud’, it meant the area was thoroughly cleaned.

In this way, with the powder to detect ‘gray mud’, the entire outpost gradually stabilized and was progressively cleared.

The team led by Hylial, after two days of rest in the camp and the recovery of its members, returned to the Ironwall Cliff outpost to assist with support work.

Considering that Hylial and her team were all Second-Order extraordinaries, the commander assigned them to logistical support, with Hylial assisting in coordination.

Four more days passed, and a new batch of food was transported from Lantern Town, arriving at Ironwall Cliff to replenish their supplies.

A week later, support from the Woodland Headquarters finally arrived. This was a team comprising physicians and purifiers, predominantly members from the ‘Holy Lamp Association’, ‘White Scroll Herb Pot’, and ‘Ash Rose’.

“I understand sending the ‘Holy Lamp Association’ for their light-based detection skills and the ‘White Scroll Herb Pot’ for their numerous physicians, but what’s the deal with ‘Ash Rose’?” the commander asked, his voice displeased as he looked at the documents and letters.

“The ‘Ash Rose’ means that if we lose control, the entire outpost will be ‘cleaned up’ by them,” the scholar-consultant beside him answered, pushing up his glasses, already well aware.

“Those gray-robed members stationed on the cliffside path, the ‘Ash Rose’, are the last line of defense. Should we fail to eradicate or contain the spread, they will perform the ‘Ash Extinguishment Annihilation’ ritual, leveling the entire outpost.”

“The Association is truly well-prepared. They’ve probably already drafted the announcement for dealing with this aftermath,” another knight grumbled, shaking his head.

“They’ll probably announce something like the outpost in Dark Mist Mountains suffered an unknown attack and was completely wiped out. Then they’ll seal the area and establish a new observation post elsewhere.”

“I understand, but it still feels uncomfortable.”

“Alright, that’s enough talk. The representatives from ‘White Scroll Herb Pot’ are arriving,” the commander rapped on the table, bringing the meeting hall to a temporary silence.

Minutes later, led by a silver-haired girl, a group of white-robed physicians wearing white bird masks arrived.

These members were all shrouded in white robes, their faces covered by white bird masks. Inside the beaks were rolled purification herbs, designed to prevent ‘gray mud’ from entering their bodies.

“…This is the meeting hall,” Hylial introduced the newly arrived physicians.

Because she could detect subtle, hidden ‘gray mud’ and was not afraid of its harm, and also because she was among the first to participate in and produce the ‘revealing powder’, she possessed a unique understanding of this peculiar ‘gray mud’ life form. Upon the arrival of the support medical team, she was the one to brief them on the situation, acting on behalf of the personnel within Ironwall Cliff.

The group of ‘White Scroll Herb Pot’ members stood at attention after entering the hall. The one at the forefront bowed slightly, saluting the commander seated at the head of the table.

“I am Zeralan Greenwind, currently a Plague Inspector for ‘White Scroll Herb Pot’. I am leading this team to support Ironwall Cliff.” This white-robed physician was a Fifth-Order extraordinary with the Radiant Moon, Green Nectar aspect, possessing profound knowledge and extensive experience. When he stated his name, the commander at the head of the table promptly rose as well.

“So it is you. Please, have a seat.”

Zeralan Greenwind’s name was widely known and circulated throughout the Woodlands. He was highly experienced in medical healing, having participated in the war against the cave dragons forty years ago, treating warriors afflicted by the venomous dragon flames, removing poisons, and excelling in dissolving various toxic contaminations and corrosive curses.

The white-robed physician nodded slightly and took a seat opposite the others. The group of white bird physicians behind him remained standing.

During the subsequent meeting, his medical team inquired in greater detail about the extent of the ‘gray mud’ infestation at Ironwall Cliff, as well as the origins of the initial ‘gray mud’ and when it was first discovered.

“…From what I gather, this appears to be a new monster that mutated from the depths of the Twilight Sea,” he analyzed after gradually understanding the situation.

“Because the ‘Distortion’ has already polluted the Twilight Sea, creatures living and thriving there are constantly undergoing mutation and distortion. There are always things born that we neither know nor have seen before.”

“Presumably, this is another new species that has escaped from there.”

“Now that I understand the situation, please rest assured. My team and I will work together diligently to quickly research and develop a specific treatment antidote.”

“Furthermore, the ‘Holy Lamp Association’ accompanying us will also bring more detection methods and ways to isolate infections, ensuring the entire process progresses effectively and stably.”

…

On the other side of Ironwall Cliff.

Accompanied and guided by Dorothy, masked members carrying candle lamps traversed various parts of the fortress.

They placed specially made candles at corridors and doorways, and affixed paper strips covered with writing.

‘We humbly implore the Spirit of Eternal Light and Radiance, the Undying and Unquenchable God, that your gaze may watch over us. Let no treacherous evil-doers enter this gate.’

Candles were placed on the doorsteps, emitting a faint glow that illuminated the paper strips on the surrounding walls and doorframes. Subsequently, a hazy, glowing eye opened above the threshold, watching both inside and out.

[Candle Gate]: A doorway illuminated by this ritual. No invisible, ghostly, shadowy, or tiny creatures may pass through, unless they recite the words on the doorframe, only then can they pass safely.

‘Gray mud’ does not understand human speech and possesses no intelligence, so it naturally cannot pass through this gate. If it attempts to pass with a human, attached to their clothing, it will also be burned and illuminated by the bright flame, revealing its form.

With the assistance of the ‘Holy Lamp Association’ members, Ironwall Cliff began to be sealed and partitioned. Even if ‘gray mud’ infected individuals are present, they have methods to identify them.

Within the snow-covered fortress, bright lamps and candles were lit, burning incessantly day and night. Every subtle dark corner was illuminated, and flowing golden flames surged from the candles, inundating rooms and corners like water, beginning to cleanse the environment.